The Science of Spray Foam Insulation

1 ECOLOGIC ENERGY SOLUTIONS, LLC The Science of Spray foam Insulation : Your Questions Answered Written by EcoLogic TE L: 2 0 3 . 8 8 9 . 0 5 0 5 I N F O@ EC OLO G I CE S .C O M High-Performance Spray foam Insulation Invest In Wallet Health Comfort Environment Open-Cell foam Closed-Cell foam Commercial Residential Energy Star Testing Energy Audits Thermal Imaging Thermal Coatings EcoLogic Energy Solutions 1 We take no responsibility as to the accuracy of this information and merely intend for this information to be used as a guide.

2 Every building s Insulation system must be designed to address its unique situation and applications. Always be sure to consult with your local code official. 1 Bridge Square, Westport CT 06880 P. EcoLogic Energy Solutions 2009 EcoLogic Energy Solutions 2 We take no responsibility as to the accuracy of this information and merely intend for this information to be used as a guide. Every building s Insulation system must be designed to address its unique situation and applications.

3 Always be sure to consult with your local code official. 1 Bridge Square, Westport CT 06880 P. EcoLogic Energy Solutions 2009 1. What is Spray foam ?.. Page 3 2. What are the Advantages of Spray foam ?.. Page 3 3. Why is Spray foam Better Than Fiberglass?.. Page 3 4. What is the Difference Between Open & Closed-Cell foam ?.. Page 4 5. Are Some Foams Made From Soy, and Are They Better?.. Page 4 6. I ve Been Told to Use a Hybrid Insulation Method With a Combination of foam and Fiberglass, Are There Any Concerns With This System?.. Page 5 7. Are There Health Concerns With Spray foam ?

4 Page 6 8. Why Do I Need Spray foam if I do a Good Job Air-Sealing with Tyvek & Caulk?.. Page 6 9. Will Spray foam Break Down, Sag or Settle Over Time?.. Page 7 10. What is the R-value of Spray foam ?.. Page 7 11. Is it True That the R-value of Closed-Cell foam Diminishes?.. Page 7 12. What Are the Advantages of Applying Spray foam Directly to the Underside of the Roof? Doesn t the Attic Need Ventilation?.. Page 8 13. What Temperature Will my Attic be With Spray foam ?.. Page 8 14. Will my Roof Shingles Overheat With an Unvented Attic?.. Page 9 15. Am I Allowed to Apply Spray foam to the Underside of the Roof Without Ventilation?

5 Page 9 16. Will Open-Cell foam Cause Moisture Problems, Should I be Using Closed-Cell foam ?.. Page 9 17. Do I Need to use a Vapor Barrier With Spray foam ?.. Page 10 18. Will my Home be too Tight With Spray foam ? Doesn t my House Need to Breathe?.. Page 13 19. Should I Install Mechanical Ventilation With Spray foam ?.. Page 14 20. How Much Ventilation is Needed?.. Page 14 21. What is the Difference Between an HRV and ERV?.. Page 15 22. Do I Need to Adjust the Size of my HVAC System for Spray foam ?.. Page 15 23. Is it True That I Will Not be Able to Pass a Wire Through a Wall With foam ?

6 Page 16 24. Is it Best to Fill the Wall Cavity Completely?.. Page 16 25. How Significant is Thermal Bridging Through Studs and Rafters?.. Page 16 26. Does foam Have to be Covered With a Thermal Barrier?.. Page 18 27. How Much Will I Save? What is the Payback Period?.. Page 19 Table of Contents We are pleased to provide you with the following frequently asked questions prepared by EcoLogic. These answers are the compilation of years of research and real world experience. We have attempted to consolidate the responses to the answers and questions we receive most often from builders, architects, and homeowners.

7 Please keep in mind that much of the information and recommendations given pertain to the New England climate and normal conditions. As with any Insulation system, it has to be designed and installed correctly for each building s unique application and operating parameters. EcoLogic Energy Solutions 3 We take no responsibility as to the accuracy of this information and merely intend for this information to be used as a guide. Every building s Insulation system must be designed to address its unique situation and applications.

8 Always be sure to consult with your local code official. 1 Bridge Square, Westport CT 06880 P. EcoLogic Energy Solutions 2009 It is interesting to note, applications that demand truly effective Insulation use foam the space shuttle, freezers, refrigerators, etc. Thanks to foam Insulation , new Energy Star refrigerators are capable of running on only 75 watts of electricity! Refrigerators insulated with only of foam use 40% less energy than those with 3 of fiberglass. 1. Q. What is Spray foam ? A. Spray foam is a complete Insulation and air barrier system that insulates and air seals walls, floors and ceiling cavities against air movement; including spaces around electrical outlets, baseboards, and where the walls meet windows and doors.

9 Applied as a liquid, the foam instantly expands up to 120x its original size to fill in every nook and cranny. Spray foam is a polyurethane plastic predominately made from petroleum or recycled petroleum based products. Certain foams are partially made from soy and other agricultural contents. 2. Q. What are the Advantages of Spray foam ? A. Since Spray foam is an approved air barrier, outside air cannot seep through walls causing drafts, cold spots, dampness, and other discomfort. It also means that moisture laden air cannot enter the walls and condense on cold surfaces causing mold, mildew and premature decay.

10 Spray foam Insulation is also recognized for its incredible ability to absorb sound. Moreover, it is not uncommon for homes with foam to experience more than a 50% reduction in heating/cooling consumption compared to a similar house with fiberglass. This is because of Spray foam s unique ability to create a custom air seal and retain its R-value in extreme weather conditions. 3. Q. Why is Spray foam Better Than Fiberglass? A. According to the US Department of Energy, "The most common Insulation , fiberglass, does not stop air leakage. In older homes, dirty fiberglass is a telltale sign of air movement (it simply collects dirt like a filter).